Worthing Council to contest appeal over Goring Gap leisure plans

Council takes stand on green gap development

Worthing Borough Council will contest a planning appeal submitted by Christopher Dixon for commercial leisure facilities at the Goring Gap, a protected green space between Goring and Ferring. Councillors unanimously backed officers' recommendation at a planning committee meeting on 28 October.

Mr Dixon appealed against the council after it failed to make a decision on the application by the original deadline of 19 August.

What the proposal includes

The plans include overnight camping for kite surfers and sea swimmers, parking for up to 100 vehicles, food and drink stalls, toilets, a children's play area and space for community activities.

At the meeting, Mr Dixon defended the proposals and said he wanted to provide facilities for families. He highlighted that the nearest comparable facility, the Sea Lane Café, operates tables and chairs across the beachfront. He also told the committee that the site had operated without litter problems and that representatives from environmental health, police and licensing had found it operated in an "exemplary manner" at the end of the season.

Council's concerns

Officers concluded the proposed facilities and parking would harm the openness of the protected Local Green Gap. The concentration of objects was considered "intrusive to this rural setting".

West Sussex County Council raised concerns about road safety, requesting more information about how vehicles would enter and leave the site. Ward councillor Ian Davey said: "Without this essential information the council cannot properly assess the traffic impact, establish whether vehicles can enter and leave safely or determine whether effective mitigation is possible."

Cllr Davey also noted the strength of local objections, saying: "Goring Gap is a much loved green space valued by residents and visitors alike. The strength of feeling is reflected in the 366 objections submitted to this application."

Local Green Gap designation

The site sits within a designated Local Green Gap, an area protected to keep settlements such as Goring and Ferring separate and preserve their character.

While the proposals include wildlife provisions and natural green energy generation, officers concluded these benefits would not outweigh the harm to the area. A total of five letters of support were submitted.

The final decision on the application will be made by the Planning Inspectorate as part of the appeal process.

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